England and Ireland should fully expect to sail through autumn undefeated

Northern hemisphere countries hold the early cards but an almost-full-strength Australia will be confident having recently defeated New Zealand

With an experimental All Blacks side, a Jekyll and Hyde South Africa and a poor Argentina team it is fair to say Australia have breathed some much-needed life into the autumn internationals. Their recent win over New Zealand is a huge shot in the arm for them and it means their game at Twickenham is the pick of the whole autumn, though England and Ireland have every right to be confident of going unbeaten through November.

The British & Irish Lions’ success in drawing their summer series is a big factor in that – of course, so is the fact that neither side play New Zealand – but I also believe the recent law amendments give the northern hemisphere an advantage on top of that, especially in this weekend’s matches before the south, who are yet to introduce them, have a chance to adapt.

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